Ottawa Mayor Faces Scrutiny Over Lansdowne 2.0 Presentation

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has come under fire for his handling of the Lansdowne 2.0 project during a press conference on March 15, 2024. While presenting a new staff report, he provided little substantive information to journalists, raising concerns about transparency and communication regarding the controversial redevelopment plan.

At the press conference, Sutcliffe stood beside a large screen proclaiming “Lansdowne 2.0: More for Less.” The mayor asserted that the community had been exposed to misleading information about the project, prompting him to take a proactive approach. He stated, “There’s been a lot of information that’s been in the community on this. Much of it has been misleading.” However, the report detailing the project was not available for review, with Sutcliffe indicating it would be released later that afternoon.

Many reporters questioned the urgency of the mayor’s presentation, particularly given the lack of access to the report. Arthur White-Crummey from CBC asked why Sutcliffe sought to present the information himself, to which the mayor replied that it was important to provide accurate information ahead of the report’s release. His remarks seemed to suggest a desire to counteract misinformation rather than engage in open dialogue.

During the press conference, Sutcliffe was reluctant to share specific details about the project, including who submitted the winning bid of $65 million for the air rights to develop mixed-use towers above the retail area. He stated that such details would be included in the forthcoming report, raising questions about whether he had seen the report himself.

Sutcliffe’s emphasis on addressing misinformation took on a political tone that some observers found troubling. He criticized a small group of opponents to the project, likening their objections to those made a decade ago, claiming, “Let’s not listen to the people spreading false information. They were wrong last time, and they’re wrong this time.”

The mayor’s presentation included vague analogies, comparing the project’s financial structure to purchasing a home at a significant discount, though he failed to acknowledge the associated costs that would arise. Furthermore, the day after the press conference, an annual update revealed that the partnership between the city and Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group experienced a loss of $11.1 million last year. This marked the eleventh consecutive year of financial losses for the partnership, even while hosting 188 events at TD Place.

Critics, including Shawn Menard, a city councillor representing Capital Ward, challenged Sutcliffe’s financial claims regarding the total cost of Lansdowne 2.0. While the mayor cited a project cost of $418.8 million, Menard argued that the real cost is closer to $483 million when accounting for additional expenses that the city has kept separate. Menard stated, “Unfortunately, the mayor is not being accurate in communicating that the price tag is $483 million,” emphasizing that significant costs related to the retail podium and parking facilities were omitted from the mayor’s calculations.

Sutcliffe painted a picture of urgency, warning of deteriorating infrastructure and lost revenue opportunities if the project did not proceed. He invoked stark imagery, referencing 24 Sussex Drive, once the residence of the Prime Minister, now described as a “$100-million sinkhole filled with rats.”

While many aspects of the Lansdowne project may offer benefits, the mayor’s approach raised concerns about transparency and the importance of accurate communication with the public. As the day progressed, anticipation for the report grew, but the promised details did not materialize within the expected timeframe. Initially scheduled for a 14:00 release, the report was ultimately shared online after 17:30, leading to frustration among journalists who had waited for clarity.

As the city moves forward with Lansdowne 2.0, the emphasis on transparency and open communication will be crucial. If “More for Less” is to be the guiding principle, it should start with providing comprehensive information rather than political spin.